Want to buy a Gibson Les Paul-Which model should I consider?

[Moshaholic]

I can save you some time...

I have had them ALL...

Get a 2008-2011 Custom Shop R8 VOS -

I heard the 2012 R8 had some weird "three piece" fret boards that nobody cared for and I don't care for the new 2013 and up models as much due to the pickups in them. They changed the pickups and the previous 2008-2011 R8's are just the shizmo IMO and really are more rocking.

I have one in Ice Tea and I was dumb enough to sell my 2010 Washed Cherry one, should have kept it.

KILLER LES PAULS IMO

Also, FWIW I played a ton of R9's and it is just not worth it $$$ and I totally liked the R8's I played better every time.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

ah Mosh...R8's have fat necks and OP wants slim taper

how about R0's?

I'm a fan of the Historics, have 2. If you can find a good used one for a good price snag it.

 

[blackba]

I have always been on the poor side of gear, so studios have been my go to lespauls. Im also not a big fan of binding, just never really liked it...
Ive had a few 90's studios with ebony fretboards that were great sounding and playing pauls. I have an '05, and a 90's studio lite with an ebony board, and weighs just over seven pounds and the thing just sings! Its been my main guitar for a couple years now..but like alot of people wi tell you, imo they all sound different, and some are just dead sounding.

Steve

The studio lites are great if you are really concerned about weight and want a 60s profile neck. My buddy has one, great playing guitar, even if it doesn't have quite the beef of the lp standard I have. He is looking at switching entirely to acoustic, so if you are interested shoot me a pm.

I miss my mid 90s lp studio, great guitar and pretty light weight to boot, always wished it had the 60s neck.

 

[ThrowBackMan]

If your spending that much on an LP, I'd for sure want to play it. That said, I understand not having a music store close by. I live in the boonies and wouldn't have it any other way, except for my guitar playing, but that's ok. I would look at the customs man. I love'm for that ebony board, and sustain, etc, but that's me. I think they look cool too in the black and or white finishes. If you get one, make sure it has the frets you like, pups you want, etc,. You can probably find a good used one if you look hard enough and are not in too big of a hurry that will meet your needs. I just don't know about the 60's neck. I think that's a recent thing with Gibson and their guitars, but I maybe wrong. I've always liked Gibbies, but now kinda a strat man, but again that's a personal choice. I love'm all! hehe..
Good luck man!
T

 

[ThrowBackMan]

After thinking about it. This would be my vote. Check this out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwjuHk__Src#t=33

T

 

[Moshaholic]

ah Mosh...R8's have fat necks and OP wants slim taper

how about R0's?

I'm a fan of the Historics, have 2. If you can find a good used one for a good price snag it.

I had a SWEET R0... PLAYED LIKE BUTTA... sold it though.

Because honestly the fatter R8 neck is THE TONE...

There is just a thick mid wamth and fatness that comes from the thicker neck on those R8's... My fave Les Paul ever.

The Burstbucker 1 & 2's just nail the Zepp tones perfectly for me.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

ah Mosh...R8's have fat necks and OP wants slim taper

how about R0's?

I'm a fan of the Historics, have 2. If you can find a good used one for a good price snag it.

I had a SWEET R0... PLAYED LIKE BUTTA... sold it though.

Because honestly the fatter R8 neck is THE TONE...

There is just a thick mid wamth and fatness that comes from the thicker neck on those R8's... My fave Les Paul ever.

The Burstbucker 1 & 2's just nail the Zepp tones perfectly for me.

I love the fat necks, my B7 is fatter than my R7....I'll get a R8 eventually....I just bought the R7 and saw an R8 today for $1999.00 but not really in the market right now

 

[ThrowBackMan]

I've never heard of a Gibson LP Regular ? What is that? Nice Marshalls too man!

You can't go wrong with A Gibson Les Paul Regular
I have 2 of them, really.

 

[nevusofota]

The best sound and feeling Les Paul I have played (I like the 60's necks also) is a 2001 Les Paul Classic. Definitely look at a mid-late 90's to mid 2000's Classic. Prices are great also.

 

[Crunchity]

I've never really been a LP player but am now also considering one like the OP. And since I've never been into them, I don't know jack - thanks for including the YEARS we should be looking out for too, not just the models.

 

[jabps]

To be redundant, I agree with most in this thread...go out a and play them. It really is the best option.

That being said...my two long standing Les Paul's that I will never sell, were bought without playing them first. One from someone back in the the original GBase days and another from Ed Roman. One 1960 Classic and a Standard. The Classic is "the" best playing Les Paul I've ever played. The Standard is the best sounding guitar I've ever owned...the neck on that one leans towards the fatter 50's neck but not all the way. I've owned several 1960 Classics and they are all consistent guitars, great necks...Gibson just screwed the pooch (shocking I know) with the aged inlays although you can find them without the aged inlays. IMO one of the best deals Gibson ever put out there barring the inlays...the Classic Premium Plus as well. I'd start looking there...lots of good deals out there on those.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

To be redundant, I agree with most in this thread...go out a and play them. It really is the best option.

That being said...my two long standing Les Paul's that I will never sell, were bought without playing them first. One from someone back in the the original GBase days and another from Ed Roman. One 1960 Classic and a Standard. The Classic is "the" best playing Les Paul I've ever played. The Standard is the best sounding guitar I've ever owned...the neck on that one leans towards the fatter 50's neck but not all the way. I've owned several 1960 Classics and they are all consistent guitars, great necks...Gibson just screwed the pooch (shocking I know) with the aged inlays although you can find them without the aged inlays. IMO one of the best deals Gibson ever put out there barring the inlays...the Classic Premium Plus as well. I'd start looking there...lots of good deals out there on those.

I'm 3 for 3 buying online without playing them. I buy used high end stuff, it doesn't work out I don't lose any money where as if new you take it in the arse on resale.

 

[jabps]

To be redundant, I agree with most in this thread...go out a and play them. It really is the best option.

That being said...my two long standing Les Paul's that I will never sell, were bought without playing them first. One from someone back in the the original GBase days and another from Ed Roman. One 1960 Classic and a Standard. The Classic is "the" best playing Les Paul I've ever played. The Standard is the best sounding guitar I've ever owned...the neck on that one leans towards the fatter 50's neck but not all the way. I've owned several 1960 Classics and they are all consistent guitars, great necks...Gibson just screwed the pooch (shocking I know) with the aged inlays although you can find them without the aged inlays. IMO one of the best deals Gibson ever put out there barring the inlays...the Classic Premium Plus as well. I'd start looking there...lots of good deals out there on those.

I'm 3 for 3 buying online without playing them. I buy used high end stuff, it doesn't work out I don't lose any money where as if new you take it in the arse on resale.

Good point Shawn. Mine were both used. The Standard I got from Roman for $850 bucks and the Classic for $1000 cause the guy just wanted to get rid of it...incredible deals and both turned out to be keepers.